Friday, October 26, 2007

Before Chicky was born, and I mean way before, like three years before she was conceived, I would regularly pepper Mr. C with random baby names that I liked. To which he would promptly reply, in true Chicky family fashion, with some smart ass answer and ridiculous name of his own.

"What do you think about Elizabeth?"

"It's okay. How about Gertrude?"

"Well, what about Thomas?"

"I don't hate it. But you know what name I really like? Zoltan."

No matter how clever he thought he was, I never gave up on baby names. So when I became pregnant with The Blob Who Ate My Soul (as she/he will be called henceforth on this blog, or T.B. Wams for short) and had no interest whatsoever with baby names, I knew we were going to be in for one of those last minute, Oh my GOD, they need a name for the birth certificate NOW or the baby will be named Baby Boy/Girl Chicky FOREVER! names.

(Or T.B. Wams. It's kind of growing on me.)

Funny enough, this time it's been Mr. C who has been initiating most of the baby naming discussions, and he's been coming up with some decent ones. Except for the time he asked me to consider giving our child, if T.B. Wams comes out as a boy, the same name as his deceased grandfather. In theory it's a really nice idea, unfortunately it's also my ex-husband's name.

Uh, no honey. That's not going to work. Not even as a middle name. Unless you want me to call him "Dick Head" as a nickname.

Naming Chicky was easy. I had her name picked out before she was even conceived and there was no swaying me from my decision. I named her after a song that reminded me of my mother. Her middle name is an ode to my sister. And though she is not technically named after anyone I like the idea that her name indirectly honors the two most important women in my life.

Not only that, but I like that she's named after a song. She gets the hugest kick out of hearing "her song" and I get a chance to get all weapy and sentimental on cue just by playing it on my iPod.

I'd really like our next child to have the same experience. I, myself, have always wanted to have a song of my own, but sadly nothing rhymes with my name. Except maybe "lasagna". That's kind of close. However, unless I have a tryst with an Italian songwriter with a love for me and cheesy casseroles I'm shit out of luck.

I went looking for songs with women's names* in the titles (what the hell did we ever do before Google?) and though there are loads of songs written for the ladies, the names left me feeling uninspired. I'm afraid this child might not have a song all her own... that she shares with thousands of other girls whose parents had the same idea.

I don't want to get all crazy, like my best friend from high school who named her daughter "Rhiannon". I love Stevie Nicks as much as the next gal and I've always wanted to be a bit like her, but Rhiannon? It's kind of silly. I'm fairly certain she didn't even know the history behind the name when she decided on it.

But don't think I haven't thought of "Caroline". Especially if my Red Sox win the Series. That would be wicked sweet.

I had a love/hate relationship with baby namin'. Seriously - I almost had that tattooed on my knuckles. Lone behold, while trapped on the subway with SB in my final month the name came to us - it just arrived all wrapped up in a bow. I will always remember that moment forever. I also will always remember the smell of that train. My eyes water in remembrance... for many reasons.

I have a GREAT name book if you want to borrow it. It isn't one of those Jason and Jennifer books, it's really academic (figures, huh) and has some gorgeous names in it, most of them either biblical, from the greek or latin, and just too cool for school.

Tess was one of my #1 names but husband HATED it, and wouldn't budge. Later, I heard the Tessie song and have been stewing ever since.

And, as far as naming your child after a song? My all-time favorite name song is "Jane Says" by Jane's Addiction and it was a serious contender for me. Alas, the lyrics always tripped me up a bit. (also, there is Sweet Jane which is a great song).

I really enjoyed picking out names and enjoy even more telling people who think we named our son after a poet how we REALLY chose his name!

See, Rhiannon to me is the kind of thing you give for a middle name. Like you maybe like the idea of something celtic for your background, think it sounds kind of cool, but are smart enough to know it's not a good first name? Like that.

We took month of vetoing and back-and-forthing and cracking open every name book we could find, writing lists on scrpas and handing them over, sighing and gritting teeth and assuring each other, "You suck" before we came to a reluctant, grudging agreement on a name for pumpkinpie. However are we going to come up with another if we have a second? Gah. It's enough to make me rethink the whole thing.

When we were little, my sister thought Lonesome Loser by The Little River Band was really "Lost Tallulah". So you could always fool him or her with lyrics that sound like a name, but are actually vastly different.

I'm glad you seem to be feeling better! names -- ARGH! I had dreams that PunditGirl should be names Emily after we had chosen another name. I was so worried we had chosen the wrong name. It was quickly apparent that Emily would have been all wrong for her!

As a former teacher I have run into many an odd name. Two of my all time favorites are "Lingerie" and "Cash Money" - seriously. But on a more serious note, having known literally thousands of kids, there are tons of names that aren't even an option anymore which is sad.

I completely wanted RP to be Sara Smile. I petitioned, offered various..umm..services should I be allowed to name RP after that song. All of which failed, I might add. Always loved the lyics...Smile, a while, for me.

The Bug's name was very nearly Caroline. I love that name. But I also love the name we chose for her. We went back and forth for months trying to come up with a name for her. Boo's was much easier, for some reason.

I think it is great to find a name that has a song associated with it. I always think of "Rosanna", not sure who sings it. I think that was about one of the Arquette sisters though (that family is everywhere). I also like that new "Hey there Delia" song. Mine have names associated with very famous book characters as well as a season so I guess each can feel special in a way.

My top two baby girl names: Maggie and Cecilia. Both about loose women taking advantage of men. I have a playlist of Maggie songs on the itunes and in each one, a man is singing about being used and abused by a woman named Maggie.

We were sure about Maggie (named after my mom) but IF we ever go for #2, the kid will remain nameless. We can't agree on anything.

I'm not pregnant yet - but I already have names picked out that I absolutely adore... the girl name though apparently has a song of the same name - from WAY back, which my mom & aunts break into every time I say the name... unfortunately - my husband doesn't like my girl names (first & middle) at all... and the boy name he's okay with, but doesn't love... it's going to be so much fun when the time comes... oh boy. or girl. or both. (my mom & Nan are twins - so my chances of having some myself are fairly decent... we'll see!) I hope you are feeling better Mrs. Chicky! Fabulous and smiling!!

Where to start, where to start. My hubs also drove me crazy with naming our first and I'm pretty sure that both Gertrude AND Zoltan were on his list. In month 8, one night at dinner he suddenly exclaimed, "I have the perfect name! How about Mark?!" Me: "Mark? Dude. That's my ex-boyfriend. No. Way. In. Hell."Trey: "His name is Mark? I thought it was butthead?"

OH & I once worked with a woman who named her daughter Stevie. After Stevie Nicks. Poor gender confused little girl.... But Caroline? Is a beautiful name.